THE IMPACT OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR ON AMERICAN LITERATURE

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of how the Second World War is depicted and explored in American literature. It traces the evolution of wartime narratives from patriotic and heroic portrayals to more nuanced reflections on trauma, absurdity, and disillusionment. Through a study of prominent authors like Norman Mailer, Kurt Vonnegut, and Joseph Heller, the article examines how literature has grappled with the psychological and moral dimensions of war.

By situating key works within their socio-historical contexts, the article underscores the role of literature in confronting and shaping collective memory. It argues that the examination of the Second World War in American literature offers critical insights into war, memory, and identity, enriching our understanding of the past and its resonance in contemporary discourse.